Paddling GlovesTom Watson reviews some general optionsfor protecting hands while out paddling:Simple neoprene, poggies, scuba gloves, etcQuick Tips for Canoe Camping TripsKevin Callan passes along some simple tricks he as learned over the years aboutcamping and paddling.. with videos too!

I need an open bed for carrying bulk stuff sometimes, but I like keeping out snow and rain most of the time, so I've got a Peragon sliding cover for the bed. Pair that with a TracRac (bought used). I have one set of j-bars, and 4' wide foam pads next to that. Compared to the Outdoorsman, and some other options, I prefer the trac rac because I often carry 3 or 4 boats, and they're totally secure on the 1000# capacity trac rac. I'm not sure I'd be as happy with all that weight and force on a lighter rack.

I recently moved this rack from my 2006 Tundra to my current 2013 Tundra, and I agree with some other posters that the growing height of trucks is a pain for loading boats. I've changed from loading my boat onto the J-rack from the driver's side, to loading my boat from the bed. I turned the J-rack to face inward, and I slide the boat up on the padded bars, and then climb in the bed to strap it into the J-rack.

I wish someone made a vehicle that can tow a few tons, but didn't require a step stool for someone 6' tall to climb in the cab.